TL;DR

Trad jazz temple

What’s on

Fan experience

Date night or family outing

Best for

Our Review

Give us the big picture: What’s the vibe of the place, what’s it like?People line up every night outside the gallery space on St. Peters Street in the historic French Quarter. Through the iron gate lies one of the world’s most respected music venues and the spiritual home of New Orleans jazz, Preservation Hall. It’s not much to look at—just a small, square room with some seating and a small stage area—but a little local magic happens five times a night.

What kinds of events can we see here?The house band is, unsurprisingly, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. They're dedicated to preserving the traditions of New Orleans jazz as it was in its heyday a hundred years ago, and they play five white-hot, hour-long sets each night to the 100 or so people who pack the benches.

Nice. How are the seats?No reservations, so get in line like everyone else. Once you're in there, the seating is nothing fancy, but it only takes a couple of bars of music before everyone is on their feet anyway. It’s rough and ready but utterly charming and utterly New Orleans.

Good for kids?Children are encouraged (the venue doesn't sell booze), and they usually sit up front on the floor.

Anything in particular that makes this place special, from the programming to a unique feature it has?The Preservation Hall Jazz Band plays all over the world, but this is definitely the place to see them.

If we’re going to be in town, what—and who—do you think this is best for?You're guaranteed an amazing show no matter what time you come, and there’s always the chance that famous musicians will drop by unannounced, especially when large music festivals are in town.